Cavaliers vs Warriors Prediction, Picks, and Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

With Cleveland rolling, Tom Oldfield believes Donovan Mitchell can maintain his hot play and go Over his point prop vs. a weak Golden State defense.

Tom Oldfield - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Tom Oldfield • Betting Analyst
Dec 30, 2024 • 19:29 ET • 4 min read
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This article contains predictions for an old game!

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There haven’t been as many must-see clashes between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors since LeBron James left Ohio, but tonight’s clash definitely qualifies.

Cleveland sits at 27-4 after six straight wins, and my Cavaliers vs Warriors predictions and NBA picks target another big night for star guard Donovan Mitchell on Monday, December 30. 

Cavaliers vs Warriors prediction

My best bet
Donovan Mitchell Over 23.5 points (-105 at bet365)

My analysis
There’s been a lot more variety in the Cleveland Cavaliers offense since Kenny Atkinson’s arrival, and that’s certainly helped take some of the scoring burden off Donovan Mitchell.

The new formula is working, with the Cavs flying high in the East, but Mitchell is still the most proven bucket-getter in the Cleveland line-up and I see him delivering another clinical outing here.

I’m jumping on the Over on his points prop tonight and trusting his 3-point shooting and trips to the free-throw line to propel him past this number. 

Mitchell was the spark for Cleveland last time out, scoring 33 points, and I like his chances of putting on a similar show tonight.

The Golden State Warriors can throw different looks at Mitchell, including Andrew Wiggins, but I see Spida shaking loose for some trademark hot streaks. 

With the Cavs among the league’s top-scoring teams, Golden State has its hands full tonight — and I expect Mitchell to lead Cleveland in field goal attempts.

The threat of Darius Garland alongside him keeps opponents on edge on the perimeter, and Jarrett Allen’s screens get Mitchell moving downhill. So far, it’s adding up to an efficient offense.

Cavaliers vs Warriors same-game parlay

Donovan Mitchell Over 23.5 points

Warriors +4

Draymond Green Over 12.5 rebounds + assists

Despite my Mitchell pick, I don’t see the Cavs rolling to an easy win here. Golden State has a deep rotation, enhanced by Dennis Schroder joining the backcourt options in a trade this month, and enough cagey veterans to keep the score close.

The Warriors have been erratic this year, but I’m counting on a response after losing to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. Cleveland doesn’t have a natural stopper for the Steph Curry assignment, and Steph’s 3-point wizardry makes it tough to lay the points with the visitors.

I’m also grabbing a Draymond Green prop for my SGP — and it’s his rebounds + assists line that jumps off the screen for me.

Steve Kerr will need major minutes from Green to combat the size of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley in the Cleveland frontcourt, and his assist numbers have been steady all year. I’m banking on a vintage Draymond display tonight to throw the Cavs off their game.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

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Cavaliers vs Warriors odds

Cavaliers vs Warriors live odds

Cavaliers vs Warriors opening odds

  • Spread: Cleveland -4.5 | Golden State +4.5
  • Moneyline: Cleveland -191 | Golden State +161
  • Over/Under: Over 231 | Under 231

Odds courtesy of bet365

Cavaliers vs Warriors spread and Over/Under analysis

  • Cleveland is an understandable favorite in this spot, with an impressive 10-3 road record and an overall 22-9 ATS mark
  • But I see value in the Warriors as underdogs. Though they’re just 8-7 at Chase Center this season, they’re slowly getting more from Jonathan Kuminga next to Curry.
  • The Cavs have hit the Over in eight of their last 10 games.
  • With some limited shooters around Curry in certain line-ups, the Under is 18-13 for Golden State this season.

Cavaliers vs Warriors trend

The Over is 21-10 in the Cavs’ 31 games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Warriors.

How to watch Cavaliers vs Warriors

Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Date: Monday, 12-30-2024
Tip-off: 10:00 p.m. ET
TV: FanDuel Sports Network - Ohio, NBCS-Bay Area

Cavaliers vs Warriors latest injuries

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Tom Oldfield - Covers
Betting Analyst

Tom Oldfield’s sports writing journey over the past 20 years has taken him from the Premier League and Champions League to the NFL, NBA, WNBA and MLB, with a wide range of articles and betting previews. Tom has worked closely with London’s Sportsbeat sports news agency as well as (thrillingly!) covering the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship run, and he has appeared on BBC World Service and The Back Page podcast.

A graduate of the University of Nottingham in the UK, he is the author of biographies on Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Gary Neville and Cesc Fabregas, and he co-authors a long-running series of children’s soccer books with his brother, Matt.

As a regular bettor across the top sports leagues, particularly with FanDuel and bet365, he is well versed on all the major markets and the next big game is rarely far from his thoughts. The best betting advice he has received is to monitor multiple sportsbooks to grab the best possible value.

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